Choosing where to go with the family can feel overwhelming. The good news is there are brilliant, family-friendly places all over the world, and I’ve picked five that strike the right balance. Think comfort and good sleep for you, adventure and easy fun for the children. Whether you’re keen to dip into local culture, try new food, or spend long days by the sea, there’s a spot that fits. And if passports feel like too much this year, you can still have a fantastic break closer to home. Your dream family holiday might be abroad or just a train ride away — what matters is time together and a plan that works for everyone.

There’s no better place to truly relax and unwind than somewhere overlooking the beautiful coast. These destinations provide guests with unrivalled scenery, a laid-back vibe and utter privacy. Think hidden coves, private terraces and luxury villas overlooking the sea.

Ever felt like some trips just stick with you, long after the passport stamps fade? That’s the kind of travel this article is about. Not the usual tourist traps, but experiences that surprise, delight, and sometimes even humble you.

Chewton Glen is one of Britain’s great country house hotels for good reason. Set in 130 acres on the edge of the New Forest, a short walk from the sea, it blends style and polish with real warmth. The latest chapter is a standout refurbishment by London studio Goddard Littlefair, which has reimagined some of the rooms, the bar, Dining Room and drawing rooms with an elegant, lived-in feel. Think parquet underfoot, velvet sofas, handmade wooden tables, soft lavender and green tartans and herringbones, and open fires glowing wherever you turn. It’s sophisticated and classic, and it suits Chewton Glen beautifully.

Sometimes you just need to press pause. Europe’s beauty isn’t only in its grand cathedrals or crowded museums; it’s in those quiet corners where time stretches. Picture yourself walking through misty vineyards, sitting by a lake so still it mirrors the sky, or waking up to the sound of sheep on a hillside. These are the kind of places that make you exhale without realising you’ve been holding your breath.

Planning a family holiday can feel like juggling excitement and logistics in equal measure. You want somewhere fun for the kids, relaxing for the grown-ups, and memorable for everyone in between. Luckily, America delivers all that and more. From golden coastlines to mountain towns and theme parks that feel like entire worlds, it’s a playground of experiences.

Who knew that London Marriott Park Lane was such a gem? It might be a big city hotel but it feels very much like a boutique hotel.

Hotel Gardenia al Lago is one of the loveliest hotels on the western shores of the lake. Family owned and run for generations this charming lakeside hotel is an idyllic spot for romance and some late summer/early autumn sunshine.

The best views in Suffolk and very possibly the best self-catering place to stay.

Burleigh Court, a privately owned country house hotel in the Cotswolds.

What do the human brain, cacao and black truffles have in common?

100 Acres was born in 2014 from a lifelong love of the countryside and a desire to bottle and share its magic. The founders’ thinking was that if they could, they would spend all of their time running naked through a hundred acres of fragrant English countryside full of lavender, roses, herbs and wildflowers.

Cruising is one of those ways of travelling that feels easy but still gives you plenty to see. You unpack once, and the ship takes care of the rest. With 2026 ahead, there are some routes worth marking on the calendar. 

Thyme, a living, breathing village in the heart of the Cotswolds. A family affair this country house hotel has sustainability at its heart without compromising on luxury. The perfect combination.

Where to go in Europe for a romantic weekend away.

10 Social Media tips for marketing luxury travel experiences and hotels.

Discover proven marketing strategies specifically designed for boutique and luxury hotels to attract discerning guests and build lasting brand loyalty. Learn how to differentiate your property in today's competitive hospitality landscape.

Beige-ification in hotels is a symptom of two things: globalisation and risk aversion. When brands expand internationally, they often prioritise consistency over character. Beige, taupe and cream palettes feel safe – they photograph well, appeal to a wide audience, and avoid polarising design choices.

Lisbon’s hotel scene shows no signs of slowing, with 2025 bringing a fresh wave of openings that reflect the city’s growing star power. Six Senses Lisbon will anchor itself in a restored palace, layering heritage with the brand’s signature wellness touch. Kimpton Lisbon is set to open as a luxury boutique stay, promising a mix of polished design and relaxed charm. Art lovers will be drawn to MACAM Hotel, opening within a contemporary art museum, where rooms spill into galleries and exhibitions. Mama Shelter makes its Lisbon debut with a rooftop designed for sundowners, a playful dining space and interiors that lean into the city’s colour and energy.

More intimate is Tarabel Lisbon, a 19th-century residence turned boutique hotel with French flair and quietly luxurious interiors. Meanwhile The Standard will land in the Alfama district, bringing its irreverent energy, rooftop buzz and cosmopolitan crowd to one of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods.

Everyone talks about “switching off” these days, but how often do we really give ourselves permission to do it? Europe is full of places that seem designed for slowing down - where the pace of life is naturally softer, and wellbeing doesn’t feel like a trend but something woven into the culture.